Our Professionals

Dr. Carolina McBride, C. Psych – Director

Dr. Carolina McBride is the founder and Director of the Cognitive and Interpersonal Therapy Centre, which has been in operation since 2003. She completed her PhD in 1999 from the University of Ottawa, and received most of her clinical training at the Toronto General Hospital and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She worked at CAMH from 2000 until 2014 in Interpersonal Therapy Clinic and was the Director of the Internship Program in Clinical Psychology from 2006 to 2009. Dr. McBride is active in teaching and has been an assistant professor at the University of Toronto as well as an adjunct professor at Ryerson University, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. McBride has several peer-reviewed papers in academic journals, and has been involved in various government funded research grants examining personality, attachment and depression. Dr. McBride is a certified clinician in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. She mainly uses CBT and IPT in her clinical work, but also incorporates other modalities such as the heart-math stress reduction program and mindfulness-based techniques. She has treated individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, stress-related conditions, chronic health problems, and interpersonal issues. Dr. McBride is a licensed member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO), and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) and Association for Behaviour and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). She is a certified diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapists as well as a member of the International Society of Interpersonal Psychotherapists.mcbride@citcassociates.com

Dr. Kristen Adams, C. Psych

Dr. Adams has worked in private practice settings for the last decade treating couples as well as individual concerns such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, adjustment disorders, life transitions, divorce, bereavement, and relationship/ interpersonal difficulties. Her clinical training included placements at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Affective Disorders Unit and the Sunnybrook Hospital Short-term Psychotherapy Unit. Dr. Adams has a specific interest in working with couples and trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She participated as a therapist in Dr. Leslie Greenberg’s research project about resolution of couples’ emotional injuries and has also written a paper about forgiveness processes in couples. kadams@citcassociates.com

Dr. Jessica Dere, C. Psych

Dr. Jessica Dere completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University. She received clinical training in a number of settings in Montreal, including St. Mary’s Hospital Centre. She completed her internship in Calgary, working at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre and Foothills Medical Centre. Dr. Dere has received training in assessment and intervention with adolescents and adults, and has experience providing individual, group, and couples therapy. Her primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). She also integrates other evidence-based practices into her work, including mindfulness, relaxation methods, and schema therapy. She has worked with individuals experiencing a variety of mental health difficulties, including major depression, anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, health anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder) and significant life stress. Dr. Dere holds a faculty position as Clinical Lecturer in the Psychology Department at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where she teaches courses in psychology and mental health studies. Her research expertise is in the area of culture and mental health, and she has published a number of academic papers in this area. She is particularly interested in understanding cultural variations in how emotional distress is experienced and expressed to others. This cultural focus also deeply informs her clinical practice, and contributes to the client-centered approach that guides her work with all clients. jdere@citcassociates.com

Dr. Marcie Dudeck, C. Psych

Dr. Marcie Dudeck received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (CPA and APA accredited) from Concordia University in 2007 following two undergraduate degrees (i.e., Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology) from the University of Winnipeg. She carried out her clinical training in a variety of settings in Montreal including hospital and university settings such as the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Applied Psychology Centre within Concordia University. Subsequently, Dr. Dudeck completed a CPA and APA accredited predoctoral internship at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. Dr. Dudeck primarily uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for adults with anxiety disorders (e.g., chronic worry/generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder), depression, and related problems. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques into her treatment. Dr. Dudeck’s approach, individually tailored to her clients, provides an empathic and collaborative atmosphere where her clients work on achieving their treatment goals. Dr. Dudeck is a registered clinical psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) and maintains memberships in a number of professional associations. dudeck@citcassociates.com

Dr. Nicola Fitzgerald, C. Psych

Dr. Niki Fitzgerald completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor, where she also earned her Master’s degree. She trained in both Canada and the United States, including the State University of New York – Upstate Medical University, Detroit Receiving Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, as well as various organizations in the Windsor area. She has worked at the Psychological Trauma Program/Work, Stress, and Health program since 2006 where she is involved in assessment, treatment, and supervision of students and interns. Dr. Fitzgerald has worked in a number of therapeutic orientations, including cognitive behavioural, interpersonal, psychodynamic, and experiential. She is a certified diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She is actively involved in her professional association as she sits on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Psychological Association. Dr. Fitzgerald is a licensed member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO), and a member of various professional organizations including the Canadian, American, and Ontario Psychological Associations, (CPA, APA, and OPA), as well at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). Dr. Fitzgerald’s primary areas of clinical interest are depression and anxiety and understanding the patterns that maintain these problems in living. fitzgerald@citcassociates.com

Dr. Laurel Gordon, C. Psych

Dr. Laurel Gordon is a registered psychologist with The College of Psychologists of Ontario. She completed her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto, where she also received her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Dr. Gordon received her clinical training in the Department of Psychology at The Toronto General Hospital, in the Department of Psychology at St. Michael’s Hospital, at The University of Toronto Counselling and Learning Skills Service, at The Clinic on Dupont, and at The Centre for Cognitive and Interpersonal Therapy. Dr. Gordon provides therapy to adults. Her primary theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Her collaborative and empathic approach is guided by attention to the therapeutic process and to individual client needs and pacing. Her areas of clinical interest include depression, anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and worry, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias), stress management, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, adjustment and life transition issues, and grief and bereavement. In addition, Dr. Gordon has facilitated workshops for mental health professionals, teaching Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for mood and anxiety disorders. laurel@citcassociates.com

Dr. Lorena Hsu, C. Psych

Dr. Lorena Hsu completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia. She has received clinical training at the University of British Columbia Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, and completed an internship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto in the Anxiety Disorders Clinic and the Psychological Trauma Program. Dr. Hsu’s primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy, although she often draws from various other therapy modalities, including interpersonal psychotherapy, schema therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy, in order to suit individual client needs. Dr. Hsu has provided therapy to adults in both individual and group settings. Her primary areas of clinical interest include anxiety and depression, trauma, stress management and adjustment issues, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, eating disorder issues, and chronic pain. Her research interests include understanding cultural differences in the expression of anxiety disorders. She has taught a number of CBT workshops to mental health professionals and internationally trained therapists. lorena@citcassociates.com

Dr. Jeffrey Letourneau, C. Psych

Dr. Jeffrey Letourneau completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan. He has received clinical training in outpatient mental health, inpatient addictions treatment, and community clinics. He completed his CPA accredited pre-doctoral internship at Millard Health, an outpatient rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton, Alberta. Dr. Letourneau has been trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy, and his therapeutic approach is also informed by mindfulness-based techniques, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches. Dr. Letourneau works with individual adults and his areas of clinical interest include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and challenges associated with life transitions (particularly amongst young adults). He also has a particular interest in assessing and treating trauma and stressor-related disorders (e.g., acute stress disorder, PTSD, adjustment disorder) and uses evidence-based treatments, including prolonged exposure therapy and CBT for trauma. letourneau@citcassociates.com

Dr. Dessy Marinova, C.Psych

Dr. Dessy Marinova obtained her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with clinical specialization from the University of Waterloo. She earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Sofia University. Dr. Dessy has trained and worked at the Centre For Addiction and Mental Health, Sick Kids Hospital, the Waterloo District School Board, and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Dr. Dessy has extensive clinical experience with children, adolescents and adults who present with mood and anxiety issues, learning disability and ADHD. She has also treated individuals who have significant difficulties coping with major life stresses, developmental transitions, as well as with relationships challenges and family conflict. At CITC, Dr. Dessy provides psychological assessments, psychotherapy as well as parent consultations and counselling. Client population include children, teens, adults and parents. Dr. Dessy utilizes integrative and individualized treatment drawing from evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural, interpersonal, solution focused, mindfulness, psycho-dynamic and dialectical behaviour therapy. She employs holistic approach to help her clients learn to identify and accept their vulnerabilities, manage their emotions, nurture their strengths, improve the quality of their relationships, their ability to cope with life stresses, as well as to optimize their overall psychological functioning. Dr. Dessy is a registered psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association. drdessy@citcassociates.com

Dr. Jamal Lake, C. Psych.

Dr. Jamal Lake completed his Psy.D. (Doctorate of Psychology) in Clinical Psychology from the University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia) in 2011 following an undergraduate degree (Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology) from the University of Guelph. His clinical training was across a variety of settings in Brisbane including the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland District School Board, and psychology clinics within the University of Queensland. Since completing his training, Dr. Lake has been working with children, adolescents, and adults across private practice and hospital settings. He primarily uses a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach, but integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, interpersonal, and mindfulness-based techniques into his treatment. Dr. Lake currently assesses and treats children, adolescents, and adults who present with mood and anxiety/stress issues, PTSD, chronic pain, relationship/family difficulties, substance abuse, learning disabilities, Autism and ADHD. He uses a holistic, collaborative approach tailored to each client to help them effectively cope with their struggles, achieve their treatment goals, and improve their overall quality of life. Dr. Lake is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) and a member of the Ontario Psychological Association. jlake@citcassociates.com

Dr. Ashley Palandra, C. Psych.

Dr. Ashley Palandra completed her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Previously, she completed master’s degrees from New York University and the University of Toronto. Dr. Palandra has trained in community mental health, student counselling, and hospital-based settings in both Canada and the US. She completed her master’s-level internship at the Centre for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia in New York City, and completed her doctoral-level APA/CPA accredited internship at the Student Counselling Centre at the University of Manitoba. In addition to her work in private practice, she is currently completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, within the Integrated Care Pathway program for Major Depression and Alcohol Dependence. Dr. Palandra works with adults in both individual and group therapy. In her clinical practice, she is particularly interested in women’s mental health, eating disorders and body image issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, as well as relational and identity-related issues. Dr. Palandra works collaboratively with clients to develop treatment goals and a plan to address their unique needs, drawing from a variety of theoretical/counselling approaches and evidence-based practice. palandra@citcassociates.com

Maria Christopoulos, M.A., M.Sc., RP (qualifying)

Maria is a psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology. Her primary area of expertise lies within individual and group therapy for adults and adolescents using the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model. Using the CBT model, Maria specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety. She also treats individuals with depression and those coping with adverse life experiences. Stress and bullying are prevalent issues for adolescents, requiring specialized support to help them cope. Maria can provide this support for your child. For 10 years, Maria was a teacher working in the elementary and secondary school levels. Her experiences vary in both the public and private education systems. Maria went on to receive her Principal’s Qualifications from the OISE Institute at the University of Toronto. Her combined experience and credentials has provided valuable insight and resources for adolescents and their parents. mariac@citcassociates.com

Patricia Creary, M.A., Ph.D. Student

Patricia Creary holds a Master’s degree in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto. She is completing her Doctoral Practicum Training in psychotherapy at the Cognitive and Interpersonal Therapy Centre (CITC). As a Master’s student, Patricia trained in psycho-educational assessment and individual psychotherapy for adults who presented with a range of issues including learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship difficulties. Her approach to psychotherapy is to build positive, collaborative relationships with her clients and integrate different models of therapy including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches. Patricia can also practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her therapeutic work. patricia@citcassociates.com

Devina Daya, M.A., Ph.D. Student

Devina Daya holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Toronto and is a PhD Candidate in Counselling and Clinical Psychology. She has received clinical training from the OISE Psychology clinic and the Toronto Western Hospital. Devina provides counselling and psychotherapy to address mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal difficulties, eating disorders, sense of self, and life transitions. Devina also provides psychological assessment, including personality and interpersonal functioning, psycho-diagnosis and mental health evaluation, and cognitive ability testing. Devina’s approach with clients is to create a collaborative, relational and non-judgemental environment. Using a research-based and integrative framework, Devina’s therapeutic style incorporates cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal, emotion-focused and mindfulness-based therapies. devina@citcassociates.com

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